CN117461895A

CN117461895A - Aerosol supply device

Info

Publication number: CN117461895A
Application number: CN202210860886.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郑晓远; 迈克尔·托马斯
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-21
Filing date: 2022-07-21
Publication date: 2024-01-30
Also published as: GB202211348D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol generating system and a method of manufacturing an aerosol provision device. The aerosol supply device includes: a main housing comprising a tubular element surrounding a heating element; wherein the tubular element comprises a first aperture through which a tool can be inserted in use in order to clean the heating element and/or to assist in removing an aerosol-generating article attached to the heating element.

Description

Aerosol supply device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol generating system and a method of manufacturing an aerosol provision device.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by producing products that release the compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heat but not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating but not burning materials. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol delivery systems are known that cover the above devices or products. Common systems use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Typically, the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation.

It is known to use resistive heaters to generate aerosols from a suitable medium.

Conventional aerosol delivery devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-like consumable is inserted.

It is known to provide an aerosol provision device which is charged by a charging unit, and wherein electric power is supplied to the aerosol provision device by the charging unit so as to charge the aerosol provision device.

It is desirable to provide an improved aerosol provision device.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising:

a main housing comprising a tubular element surrounding a heating element;

wherein the tubular element comprises a first aperture through which a tool may be inserted in use in order to clean the heating element and/or to assist in removing an aerosol-generating article attached to the heating element.

Known aerosol provision devices comprising a heating element suffer from the problem that the heating element may become dirty in use and the aerosol-generating article may become stuck to the heater. Aerosol provision devices according to various embodiments are particularly advantageous in that a tool, such as a cleaning tool, may be inserted through the first aperture in order to clean the heating element. Further, a tool may also be inserted through the first aperture to help remove the aerosol-generating article (or a portion of the aerosol-generating article) that may have become stuck to the heating element. The first aperture may also be used as an inspection port for inspecting the alignment and condition of the heating element and may also be used to calibrate the heating profile of the heating element.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a removable cap attached to the main housing in use.

Optionally, the heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1 and a first surface area A1, and the first orifice has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2 and a second surface area A2.

Optionally, the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

Alternatively, L1/L2 is in the range of 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7,0.7-0.8,0.8-0.9,0.9-1.0,1.0-1.1,1.1-1.2,1.2-1.3,1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5.

Alternatively, W1/W2 is in the range of 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7,0.7-0.8,0.8-0.9,0.9-1.0,1.0-1.1,1.1-1.2,1.2-1.3,1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5.

Alternatively, A1/A2 is in the range of 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7,0.7-0.8,0.8-0.9,0.9-1.0,1.0-1.1,1.1-1.2,1.2-1.3,1.3-1.4 or 1.4-1.5.

Alternatively, L2 is in the range of 1-30mm,3-20mm or 5-10 mm.

Alternatively, W2 is in the range of 1-15mm,2-8mm or 3-5 mm.

Optionally, the first profile comprises a polygonal profile.

Optionally, the first profile comprises a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal profile. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the first profile may comprise a non-polygonal profile, or wherein the first profile may comprise a higher order polygonal profile.

Optionally, the second profile comprises a polygonal profile.

Optionally, the second profile comprises a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal profile. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the second profile may comprise a non-polygonal profile, or wherein the second profile may comprise a higher order polygonal profile.

Optionally, the tubular element has a longitudinal axis and the first aperture is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

Optionally, the resistive heating element includes a substrate and one or more conductive tracks disposed on the substrate.

Optionally, the heating element comprises a first face, an edge portion and a second face, and wherein the first aperture is aligned with the first face.

Optionally, the tubular element further comprises a second aperture through which a tool may be inserted in use in order to clean the heating element and/or to assist in removing the aerosol-generating article attached to the heating element.

Optionally, the second aperture is aligned with the second face.

Optionally, the second aperture is positioned opposite the first aperture.

Optionally, the tubular element has a truncated circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second linear section having a planar outer surface.

Optionally, the first orifice is located in the second linear section.

Optionally, the second aperture is inclined at an angle of < 30 °,30 ° -60 °,60 ° -90 °,90 ° -120 °,120 ° -150 ° or 150 ° -180 ° with respect to the first aperture.

According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol supply device as described above; and

an aerosol-generating article.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol provision device, comprising:

positioning a tubular element around the heating element, the tubular element having a first inspection port; and

the heating element is inspected through the first inspection port using the inspection device.

The method of manufacturing an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments is particularly advantageous in that during the manufacturing process, for example, it may be checked that the heating element has been positioned in the correct orientation and/or the integrity of the conductive track provided on the heating element may be verified by checking the heating element via one or more inspection ports provided in the tubular element surrounding the heating element.

Optionally, the inspection device comprises an imaging device, and wherein inspecting the heating element comprises acquiring one or more images of the heating element through the first inspection port.

Optionally, the heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1 and a first surface area A1, and the first inspection port has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2 and a second surface area A2.

Optionally, the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

Alternatively, L2 is in the range of 1-30mm,3-20mm or 5-10 mm.

Alternatively, W2 is in the range of 1-15mm,2-8mm or 3-5 mm.

Optionally, the first profile comprises a polygonal profile.

Optionally, the second profile comprises a polygonal profile.

Optionally, the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

Optionally, the resistive heating element comprises a substrate and one or more conductive tracks disposed on the substrate.

Optionally, wherein the heating element comprises a first face, an edge portion and a second face, and wherein the first aperture is aligned with the first face.

Optionally, the tubular element further comprises a second inspection port.

Optionally, the method further comprises inspecting the heating element through the second inspection port using the inspection device or another inspection device.

Optionally, the or another inspection device comprises an imaging device, and wherein the step of inspecting the heating element comprises acquiring one or more images of the heating element through the second inspection port.

Optionally, the second inspection port is aligned with the second face.

Optionally, the second inspection port is positioned opposite the first inspection port.

Optionally, the first inspection port is located in the second linear segment.

Optionally, the second inspection port is inclined at an angle of < 30 °,30 ° -60 °,60 ° -90 °,90 ° -120 °,120 ° -150 °, or 150 ° -180 ° with respect to the first inspection port.

Optionally, the method further comprises analyzing the output of the inspection device in order to evaluate one or more properties of the heating element and/or the orientation of the heating element.

Optionally, the method further comprises analyzing the one or more images to assess one or more properties of the heating element and/or the orientation of the heating element.

Optionally, the first inspection port and/or the second inspection port comprises an optically transparent member.

Optionally, the first inspection port comprises an aperture in the tubular element.

Optionally, the second inspection port comprises an aperture in the tubular element.

Drawings

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment located within a charging unit;

fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision device from above, with the removable cap removed from the aerosol provision device; and

fig. 4 shows a side view of the aerosol provision device.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and are not discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein, which are not described in detail, may be implemented in accordance with conventional techniques for implementing these aspects and features.

According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol-supply system is an aerosol-supply system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol-supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or burn in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible sol supply system, e.g., an electric non-combustible sol supply system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible sol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also referred to as a heated but non-combusting system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated, to generate an aerosol. Each aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, a tobacco or non-tobacco product.

In general, a non-combustible sol supply system may include a non-combustible sol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible sol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device. These consumables are sometimes referred to in this disclosure as articles of manufacture.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible sol supply system, such as a non-combustible sol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material adjacent the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage region, an aerosol generating material delivery member, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol modifier.

An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated or stimulated in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (e.g. gel), which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a fragrance.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol-former. Optionally, active agents and/or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure or electrostatic energy.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which in use emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may for example comprise a combustible material, a material which is heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

The non-combustible aerosol delivery system may comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol-generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible sol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may, for example, comprise an electrical power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may further comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol-generating article may comprise, in part or in whole, an aerosol-generating component.

For the sake of completeness, aerosol provision devices comprising inductive elements are known. The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor arranged to be heated by the one or more inductors.

A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that it penetrates with a varying magnetic field resulting in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that it is penetrated by a varying magnetic field resulting in hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor may be heated by two heating mechanisms. An aerosol provision device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 according to one embodiment, which is shown as being located within an elongated cavity of a charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may include a power source (not shown). The power source may include, for example, a battery (disposable or rechargeable), a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable Solid State Battery (SSB), a rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery (LiB), or the like, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch-cell battery, or some combination thereof. Although the aerosol provision device 100 is shown in combination with the charging unit 101, it will be appreciated that the aerosol provision device 100 may be powered in any other way. For example, the power supply provided with the aerosol provision device 100 may be charged by inserting the power supply into the aerosol provision device 100, or the power supply may be replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

The aerosol provision device 100 may remain in the charging unit 101 for a predetermined time in order to allow for sufficient charging of the aerosol provision device 100. For example, the charging unit 101 may be arranged to charge the aerosol provision device 100 to full charge for a period of < 10 minutes, 10-20 minutes, 20-30 minutes, 30-40 minutes, 40-50 minutes, 50-60 minutes or > 60 minutes.

The charging unit 101 and/or the aerosol provision device 100 may optionally have an indicator to give a visual or other indication to the user of the charge level of the aerosol provision device 100. In addition, a separate indicator may be present to give a visual representation of the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol provision device 100 and/or the charging unit 101 may be determined by a control device provided in the aerosol provision device 100 and/or the charging unit 101.

The visual indicator may include one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the visual indicator may be replaced by an audio indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

The aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a housing, which may have a tubular and/or cylindrical shape, however, other embodiments are conceivable, wherein the aerosol provision device 100 may take other desired forms, e.g. the aerosol provision device 100 may be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, the housing 108 of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an electrical insulator and may be formed, for example, from polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

According to one embodiment, the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise one or more orientation features and/or one or more magnets for securing the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100 to the base portion of the charging unit 101.

The aerosol provision device 100 may be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit 101 in order to recharge the aerosol provision device 100 by receiving power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may include an internal battery to provide power to the aerosol provision device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

The charging unit 101 may comprise a cover or lid 102 that is slidable by a user between an open position and a closed position. A cap or cover 102 is provided at the entrance of a cavity provided within the charging unit 101 and configured to receive the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-supplying device 100 comprises an electrical resistance heater for heating the aerosol-generating article.

When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, the opening to the cavity is exposed, thereby enabling a user to remove the aerosol provision device 100 from the charging unit 101 (in order to use the aerosol provision device 100) or alternatively insert the aerosol provision device 100 into the charging unit 101 (in order to charge the aerosol provision device 100).

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol provision device 100 positioned or docked within the charging unit 101. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a main housing 105, wherein a heating element 104 (e.g. a resistive heating element 104) protrudes within the main housing 105. The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises a removable cap 106, which may be magnetically attached to the main housing 105.

The removable cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the container 120. The container 120 comprises a tubular housing having a base portion 121. The base portion 121 of the container 120 has an aperture and the resistive heating element 104 is arranged to protrude through the aperture. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the aerosol-supplying device 100 by inserting the aerosol-generating article through an opening in the removable cap 106, and then inserting the aerosol-generating article into the container 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 has a blade-like profile and in use, the aerosol-generating article may be pushed onto the heating element 104 such that the blade-like profile of the heating element 120 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element 104 is arranged to internally heat the aerosol-generating article.

At the end of the period of use, when the aerosol-generating article has been consumed, the removable cap 106 may then be disengaged from the main housing 105. It will be appreciated that the process of disengaging the removable cap 106 will have the effect that the base portion 121 of the container 120 will contact the underside of the aerosol-generating article. When the removable cap 106 is withdrawn, the base portion 121 of the container 120 will contact the distal end of the aerosol-generating article and will cause the aerosol-generating article to be pulled off or otherwise removed from the heating element 104.

However, after a period of time, the heating element 104 may become dirty and may be covered by deposits of used aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, it may be desirable to periodically clean the heating element 104.

Cleaning the heating element of a conventional aerosol provision device may be problematic, but according to various embodiments, one or more apertures may be provided in the main housing 105 that enable a tool, such as a cleaning tool, to clean the heating element 104 by passing through the one or more apertures in order to clean the heating element 104. It will be appreciated that cleaning is performed after the removable cap 106 has been disengaged from the main housing 105.

One or more cleaning apertures provided in the main housing 105 according to various embodiments will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision device 100 from above, with the removable cap 106 removed so as to reveal the main housing 105. The main housing 105 comprises a tubular element 117. As depicted, the heating element 104 extends within the tubular element 117. Although a tubular element 117 having a substantially circular profile is depicted, it will be appreciated that the tubular element 117 may have any suitable profile. The tubular element 117 comprises a first aperture 108 through which, in use, a tool (not shown) may be inserted. The means may comprise cleaning means and/or means for assisting in removing a portion of the aerosol-generating article that may be attached to the heating element 104.

The first aperture 108 provides a convenient means of accessing the heating element 104 to facilitate cleaning or other maintenance of the heating element 104. The first aperture 108 may allow improved access to the heating element 104, thereby facilitating improved cleaning. This may improve the operation of the aerosol provision device 100 and/or improve the lifetime of the heating element 104, and thus the lifetime of the aerosol provision device 100. Additionally, the first aperture 108 may facilitate removal of the aerosol-generating article or a portion of the aerosol-generating article from the heating element 104. This may allow a user to more easily remove the aerosol-generating article and/or remove an aerosol-generating article that is otherwise stuck to the heating element 104.

The heating element 104 may include a substrate 109 having one or more conductive tracks 111 disposed thereon, and the substrate 109 may extend within the body of the tubular element 117. The heating element 104 may have a tip 107. In some embodiments, as depicted, the heating element 104 may include a first face 112, an edge portion 114, and a second face (not visible in fig. 3, but on an opposite side of the heating element 104 from the first face 113). In some implementations, as depicted in fig. 3, the first aperture 108 is aligned with the first face 112 (i.e., the first aperture 108 may face the first face 112). Since the first face 112 may be an area that requires cleaning, aligning the first aperture 108 with this first face 112 may allow for easy inspection, access and cleaning of the first face 112. The aperture 108 may, for example, extend in a plane parallel to the plane in which the first face 112 of the heating element 104 extends such that it is aligned with the first face 112 of the heating element 104.

The first aperture 108 may be located at any suitable location in the tubular member 117 to provide suitable access within the tubular member 117. In some embodiments, as depicted, the tubular element 117 may have a frustoconical cross-section including a first arcuate segment 116 having a curved outer surface 118 and a second linear segment 120 having a planar outer surface 110. The first orifice 108 may be located in the second linear section 120, i.e., within the planar outer surface 110.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the aerosol provision device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed. In some embodiments, as depicted, the first aperture 108 may be elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis a of the tubular element 105. This may provide access to a majority of the length of the heating element 104 via the first aperture 108.

The first aperture 108 may have a shape, i.e., a profile, that substantially corresponds to the shape of the heating element 104. While the heating element 104 may include a tip, the heating element 104 may additionally be considered to be substantially rectangular in shape. As depicted, the first aperture 108 may also have a corresponding rectangular shape. This may allow access to at least the first face 112 of the heating element 104.

Although the entire heating element 104 cannot be seen in fig. 4, the heating element has a first profile having a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1. The first aperture 108 has a second profile with a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2. As can be seen in fig. 4, the first aperture 108 has a substantially rectangular profile. Although the profile of the heating element 104 is not the same as the profile of the first aperture 108, it will be appreciated that the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile. Due to the corresponding contours of the first aperture 108 and the heating element 104, a suitable access within the tubular element 117, e.g. to the heating element 104, may be achieved.

In the depicted embodiment, the ratio of the first length L1 to the second length L2, i.e., L1/L2, is approximately 1.2-1.3. However, any first aperture 108 and heating element 104 in which the second length L2 and the first length L1 are similar may be used. For example, the ratio L1/L2 may be in the range of 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7,0.7-0.8,0.8-0.9,0.9-1.0,1.0-1.1,1.1-1.2,1.2-1.3,1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5. It will be appreciated that any of the ratios described above may provide suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117.

In the depicted embodiment, the ratio of the first width W1 to the second width W2, i.e., W1/W2, is approximately 1.2-1.3. However, any first aperture 108 and heating element 104 in which the second width W2 and the first width W1 are similar may be used. For example, the ratio W1/W2 may be in the range of 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7,0.7-0.8,0.8-0.9,0.9-1.0,1.0-1.1,1.1-1.2,1.2-1.3,1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5. It will be appreciated that any of the ratios described above may provide suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117.

Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the ratio of the first area A1 to the second area A2, A1/A2, is approximately 0.8-1.2. However, any first aperture 108 and heating element 104 in which the first and second areas A1, A1 are similar may be used. For example, the ratio A1/A2 may be in the range of 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7,0.7-0.8,0.8-0.9,0.9-1.0,1.0-1.1,1.1-1.2,1.2-1.3,1.3-1.4 or 1.4-1.5. It will be appreciated that any of the ratios described above may provide suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117.

The heating element 104 may have any suitable shape capable of heating a medium disposed within the tubular element 105. For example, as depicted, the first profile of the heating element 104 includes a polygonal profile. In the depicted example, the heating element 105 includes a substantially rectangular portion 122 adjoining a triangular portion 124, which together define a pentagonal shape. The triangular portion 124 of the heating element 104 defines a tip 107 (see fig. 3) that may be used to penetrate the consumable article when the consumable article is inserted into the device 100.

The heating element 104 may alternatively comprise any other suitable profile, and for example, the first profile of the heating element 104 may comprise: triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal profiles. The second profile (i.e., the profile of the first aperture 108) may also include a polygonal profile. In the depicted embodiment, the second profile of the first aperture 108 comprises a rectangular profile.

Similar to the first profile, the second profile (i.e., the profile of the first aperture 108) may include any other suitable profile, such as: triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal profiles. The first profile of the heating element 104 and the second profile of the aperture 108 may have corresponding Is a shape of (c). For example, where the first profile of the heating element 104 has a rectangular shape, the second profile of the first aperture 108 may have a rectangular shape. In the depicted embodiment, the second profile of the first aperture 108 substantially matches at least a portion of the first profile of the heating element 104, such as the rectangular portion 122 thereof. Having a corresponding profile may provide sufficient access to the heating element 104 through the first aperture 108. In the depicted embodiment, the first aperture 108 has a rectangular profile and may have a length L2 in the range of 1-30mm,3-20mm, or 5-10 mm. The width W2 of the first aperture 108 may be in the range of 1-15mm,2-8mm, or 3-5 mm. In the exemplary case of a length L2 of, for example, 20mm and a width W2 of, for example, 4mm, the first aperture 108 may have a length of about 80mm ² Is a part of the area of the substrate.

The first aperture 108 and the heating element 104 having the appropriate contours and/or relative dimensions may advantageously ensure that a tool (e.g., a cleaning tool) is able to reach the appropriate portion of the heating element 104 to perform cleaning thereon or remove a consumable article attached thereto. This may help ensure that the heating element 104 may be properly cleaned and maintained, thereby ensuring proper operation of the heating element 104 and the aerosol provision device 100.

Although fig. 3 and 4 show an embodiment in which a single first aperture 108 is provided in the tubular element 105, it will be appreciated that the tubular element 105 may comprise at least one further aperture, i.e. at least a second aperture.

In some embodiments, the tubular element 105 comprises a second aperture or a further aperture through which, in use, a tool may also be inserted in order to clean the heating element 104 and/or remove an aerosol-generating article attached to the heating element 104. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the second aperture or additional apertures may be disposed at any suitable location on the tubular element 105. For example, in some embodiments, the second aperture or additional apertures may be aligned with the second face of the heating element 104. The second face may be a face on a side of the heating element 104 opposite the side on which the face 112 is present. The presence of a second or additional aperture aligned with this second face may advantageously facilitate cleaning of the second face of the heating element 104.

The second aperture or the additional aperture may be positioned opposite the first aperture 108. According to further embodiments, a different number of apertures may be provided as desired. The number of apertures may depend on the shape of the heating element 104 and/or the potential number of faces of the heating element 105 that may need to be cleaned.

It will be appreciated that according to various embodiments, the heating element 105 may comprise a planar blade-shaped heating element having two opposing planes, and wherein the aerosol provision device comprises one or two apertures 108 providing a cleaning path to one or both sides of the heating element 105.

Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the second aperture or additional apertures may be positioned at an angle relative to the first aperture 108. The second aperture may be inclined at an angle of < 30 °,30 ° -60 °,60 ° -90 °,90 ° -120 °,120 ° -150 °, or 150 ° -180 ° with respect to the first aperture. Arranging the second aperture or the further aperture at this location may advantageously allow a tool (e.g. a cleaning tool) to be inserted into the tubular element 105 in a different direction than the direction of insertion via the first aperture 108. This may allow for cleaning of additional portions of the heating element 104 that might otherwise not be accessible from the first aperture 108. This may provide access to, for example, an edge portion 114 (see fig. 3) of the heating element 104.

Although in the above embodiments the heating element 104 is in the form of a resistive heating element, it will be appreciated that the heating element 104 may be any other suitable element that may require cleaning or to which a consumable article may become attached. For example, the heating element 104 may include a component of an induction heating element, such as a susceptor. In such an embodiment, the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise suitable means for causing the induction heating element to generate heat, as is well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-supply device 100 forms part of an aerosol-generating system that further comprises an aerosol-generating article (not shown) that may be inserted into the aerosol-supply device. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the tubular element 117 so as to be in contact with the heating element 104.

The first aperture 108 described above, and indeed the further aperture described above, may additionally or alternatively form an inspection port. In this case, in some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an aerosol provision device is disclosed, the method comprising inspecting the heating element 104 using an inspection device (not shown). The inspection device may comprise any device that may be used to inspect a heating element. For example, the inspection device may comprise a laser illuminating the heating element, and a detector arranged to detect radiation reflected from the heating element. The output of the inspection device may be analyzed to evaluate one or more properties of the heating element 104 and/or the orientation of the heating element 104. The inspection port may also advantageously facilitate improved calibration of the heating element and its associated heating profile. In some embodiments, the inspection device may include an imaging device and may include acquiring one or more images of the heating element 104 through the aperture or inspection port 108. In some implementations, the imaging device may include a camera. It will be appreciated that the inspection port 108 may not necessarily include a full bore through the tubular element 105. Thus, in some embodiments, the first aperture 108 may be replaced by an inspection port 108 that is transparent to at least radiation of a particular wavelength. In some implementations, the inspection port 108 may include an optically transparent member.

In some embodiments, the method may further include analyzing the one or more images to assess one or more properties of the heating element 104 and/or an orientation of the heating element 104.

In some embodiments, the tubular element 117 may include a plurality of apertures or a plurality of inspection ports 108. In such an embodiment, the method of manufacturing may include acquiring one or more images of the heating element 104 through each of the inspection ports 108. This may advantageously facilitate imaging of different portions (e.g., sides or faces) of the heating element 104. This approach may advantageously allow for improved determination as to whether the heating element 104 has been inserted in the correct orientation and whether the conductive track provided on the heating element 104 has been properly formed.

Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the heating element 104 may be tested as part of a quality control procedure, and that the heating element 104 may be observed via the one or more inspection ports 108 during this process.

In some implementations, analysis of the one or more images may be performed, and depending on the results of the analysis of the images, remedial action may be taken with respect to the heating element 104. For example, the heating element 104 may be moved or replaced.

The various embodiments described herein are only used to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as representative examples of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, that other embodiments may be utilized, and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the appropriate combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. in addition to those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a main housing comprising a tubular element surrounding a heating element;

wherein the tubular element comprises a first aperture through which a tool can be inserted in use in order to clean the heating element and/or to assist in removing an aerosol-generating article attached to the heating element.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, further comprising a removable cap attached to the main housing in use.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1, and the first aperture has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2.

4. An aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

5. An aerosol provision device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein L1/L2 is in the range 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7, 0.7-0.8, 0.8-0.9, 0.9-1.0, 1.0-1.1, 1.1-1.2, 1.2-1.3, 1.3-1.4 or 1.4-1.5.

6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein W1/W2 is in the range 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7, 0.7-0.8, 0.8-0.9, 0.9-1.0, 1.0-1.1, 1.1-1.2, 1.2-1.3, 1.3-1.4 or 1.4-1.5.

7. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein A1/A2 is in the range 0.5-0.6,0.6-0.7, 0.7-0.8, 0.8-0.9, 0.9-1.0, 1.0-1.1, 1.1-1.2, 1.2-1.3, 1.3-1.4 or 1.4-1.5.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein L2 is in the range 1-30mm, 3-20mm or 5-10 mm.

9. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein W2 is in the range 1-15mm, 2-8mm or 3-5 mm.

10. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first profile comprises a polygonal profile.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 10, wherein the first profile comprises a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

12. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the second profile comprises a polygonal profile.

13. The aerosol provision device of claim 12, wherein the second profile comprises a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

14. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular element has a longitudinal axis and the first aperture is elongate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

15. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

16. The aerosol provision device of claim 13, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a substrate and one or more conductive tracks disposed on the substrate.

17. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element comprises a first face, an edge portion and a second face, and wherein the first aperture is aligned with the first face.

18. An aerosol provision device according to claim 17, wherein the tubular element further comprises a second aperture through which a tool can be inserted in use to clean the heating element and/or to assist in removing an aerosol-generating article attached to the heating element.

19. The aerosol provision device of claim 18, wherein the second aperture is aligned with the second face.

20. An aerosol provision device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second aperture is located opposite the first aperture.

21. An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular element has a frusto-circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second linear section having a planar outer surface.

22. The aerosol provision device of claim 21, wherein the first orifice is located in the second linear section.

23. The aerosol provision device of claim 18, wherein the second aperture is inclined at an angle of < 30 °, 30 ° -60 °, 60 ° -90 °, 90 ° -120 °, 120 ° -150 °, or 150 ° -180 ° relative to the first aperture.

24. An aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim; and

an aerosol-generating article.

25. A method of manufacturing an aerosol delivery device, comprising:

the heating element is inspected through the first inspection port using an inspection device.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the inspection device comprises an imaging device, and wherein inspecting the heating element comprises acquiring one or more images of the heating element through the first inspection port.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1, and the first inspection port has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein L1/L2 is in the range of 0.5-0.6, 0.6-0.7, 0.7-0.8, 0.8-0.9, 0.9-1.0, 1.0-1.1, 1.1-1.2, 1.2-1.3, 1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5.

30. The method of claim 27, 28 or 29, wherein W1/W2 is in the range of 0.5-0.6, 0.6-0.7, 0.7-0.8, 0.8-0.9, 0.9-1.0, 1.0-1.1, 1.1-1.2, 1.2-1.3, 1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5.

31. The method of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein A1/A2 is in the range of 0.5-0.6, 0.6-0.7, 0.7-0.8, 0.8-0.9, 0.9-1.0, 1.0-1.1, 1.1-1.2, 1.2-1.3, 1.3-1.4, or 1.4-1.5.

32. The method of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein L2 is in the range of 1-30mm, 3-20mm, or 5-10 mm.

33. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein W2 is in the range of 1-15mm, 2-8mm or 3-5 mm.

34. The method of any of claims 27 to 33, wherein the first profile comprises a polygonal profile.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first profile comprises a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

36. The method of any of claims 27 to 35, wherein the second profile comprises a polygonal profile.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the second profile comprises a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

38. The method of any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the tubular element has a longitudinal axis and the first aperture is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

39. The method of any one of claims 25 to 38, wherein the heating element comprises a resistive heating element.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a substrate and one or more conductive tracks disposed on the substrate.

41. The method of any one of claims 25 to 40, wherein the heating element comprises a first face, an edge portion, and a second face, and wherein the first aperture is aligned with the first face.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the tubular element further comprises a second inspection port.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising: inspecting the heating element through the second inspection port using the inspection device or another inspection device.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the inspection device or the other inspection device comprises an imaging device, and wherein inspecting the heating element comprises: one or more images of the heating element are acquired through the second inspection port.

45. The method of claim 42, 43 or 44, wherein the second inspection port is aligned with the second face.

46. The method of any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the second inspection port is positioned opposite the first inspection port.

47. The method of any one of claims 25 to 46, wherein the tubular element has a frustoconical cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate segment having a curved outer surface and a second linear segment having a planar outer surface.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first inspection port is located in the second linear segment.

49. The method of any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the second inspection port is inclined at an angle of < 30 °, 30 ° -60 °, 60 ° -90 °, 90 ° -120 °, 120 ° -150 °, or 150 ° -180 ° relative to the first inspection port.

50. The method of any one of claims 25 to 49, further comprising: the output of the inspection device is analyzed to assess one or more properties of the heating element and/or the orientation of the heating element.

51. The method of any one of claims 26 to 50, further comprising: the one or more images are analyzed to assess one or more properties of the heating element and/or an orientation of the heating element.

52. The method of any one of claims 25 to 51, wherein the first inspection port comprises an optically transparent member.

53. The method of any one of claims 25 to 52, wherein the first inspection port comprises an aperture in the tubular element.

54. The method of any one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the second inspection port comprises an aperture in the tubular element.